[1] Development of the 2A28 Grom was directly linked to that of the SPG-9 recoilless gun; both fired projectiles similar to rocket-propelled grenades.

[1] The BMP was initially to be armed with a 23mm autocannon, a choice directly inspired by the success of the West German HS.30.

The KB Priborostroyeniye design bureau in Tula soon proposed a specialized turret carrying both a low-velocity smoothbore gun and a mount for 9M14 Malyutka ATGMs.

[3] Cyclic rate of fire is between 8 and 10 rounds per minute, with the gun returning to an elevation of +3° 30' to reload after each shot if the autoloader is used.

The autoloader is not reliable; it can break down from vibration when the vehicle is moving at high speed over rough ground, and its operation is a danger to the gunner's fingers.

Some units removed the autoloader altogether when new vehicles were delivered, but the mechanized ammunition conveyor magazine was retained.

[3] A coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun is mounted to the right of the main armament for which the BMP-1 carries 2,000 rounds in belts of 250.

This means that the BMP-1's main armament is less capable than modern stabilised autocannons, which can be fired accurately while moving.

The BMP-1 is unable to engage targets using the 2A28 "Grom" gun from some hull-down positions due to its limited depression, making it vulnerable to enemy fire.

[8] The limited elevation of the main gun, its lack of firepower and inaccuracy against point targets at 500–700 metres (550–770 yd) meant that it could not fight effectively in the mountains of Afghanistan.